Fun Times with Cnidarians - Anemone Alternatives

[hello_there]

Since anemone keeping is so controversial and difficult, some people have chosen to just forgo it when buying a clownfish for their reef tank. But sometimes, clowns find other cnidarians in their absence and choose to inhabit them instead, much like they would an anemone. Do you condone the keeping of anemones? If not, what do you suggest as a more eco-friendly alternative for clown habitation.

 

[Anemone]

Well, since this forum is about the keeping of anemones, I'd have to say most folks hereabouts would "condone" the keeping of anemones - at least by experienced hobbyists.

And if you're really worried about it, clowns don't need an alternative habitation. They survive and thrive quite well without an anemone substitute.

Kevin

 

[brannock_16]

I think that if people would exhibit patience and not rush into an anemone purchase they would be able to keep them with a fairly positive experience. Patience is definitely a virtue when it comes to reefkeeping.

I waited until my tank was over a year old until I added my first nem (a lta). It barely split about 3 weeks ago for the first time (after being in my tank for a year) and I finally added a RBTA after my tank was up and mature for 2 years.

Also, people need to do their research when selecting a nem. Make sure it is proven in aquaria, with no gaping mouth, and not bleached. If people would do their homework we would not see the URGENT threads about dying nems.

 

[garygb]

Brannock, you had an LTA split? Macrodactyla doreensis? That is a species I've never seen or heard of splitting and is generally considered to reproduce only by sexual reproduction. Pics?